Tips from the Pros

Jan

Standing Out From The Crowd

When you dedicate the vast majority of the first quarter of your life to schooling (plus the costs involved in getting an education) it is imperative to ensure that you make the most of your education and begin to set yourself up for the “real world”. In order to take advantage of the skills that you have learned, there are a various extra-curricular activities you can do to ensure that you get the most out of what you have paid for. Internships, part-time jobs and volunteer work are the best ways to not only benefit yourself long term but you cannot go wrong with having a little extra “coin” in the pocket right now.

Internships:

Professional internships are often one of the best ways to further educate yourself about your specific field and to gather an abundance of reputable networks for potential future jobs. It goes without saying that having internship will look good on your resume and instantly impress potential employers. Internships are also a great way to get a shoe in the door into a particular company. Going forward, as you have already gained first-hand experience of the business and its culture, you will have a huge advantage over your competitor’s when the time comes to hire new graduates. Which would you prefer – blindly applying for the role with potentially hundreds of other candidates or being able to reach out to one of your contacts within the business?

Part-Time/ Casual Jobs:

Generally speaking most university students will aim to work part-time during their studies. Not only will you learn real life experiences and grow your networking contacts, it is also possible to make a reasonable income which will help in creating a more balanced approach to your university life. It goes without saying that if you can get a job in your chosen field, this can certainly benefit you going forward. However, any type of job will still be considered as work experience to future prospective employers.

Volunteer Work

Volunteer work is extremely popular amongst graduates. It can be a way of making a difference in the world whilst accumulating experience. It also looks impressive on a resume. Performing volunteer work can teach you an abundance of life skills and provide you with the opportunity to help those in need or to raise funds for a cause that you feel strongly about. In the cut throat world of job seeking, having volunteer work on your resume is always a positive and portrays a positive image and good first impression to the hiring manager.

Does Your Resume Stand Out?

When applying for graduate positions the more value added experience you can include on the resume the greater your chance of finding success. By performing extra-curricular activities, working part time or volunteering your time, will give you an edge over other job candidates who only share similar educational backgrounds to yourself. Remember that as a graduate you need to distinguish yourself from the crowd and brand yourself as a well-rounded job candidate.

The #1 Professional Resume Service

Tags: graduate resume, internships, professional resume, resume, resume writing, student resume, student resumes, volunteer work

Dec

Pimp My Resume

By RedStarResume No comments yet

Is your resume not getting you the job interviews you had hoped for? Are you applying for hundreds of jobs online but not receiving a single phone call? If you have the skills and experience to perform a certain job, but you can’t seem to get yourself an interview, it could be time to “pimp my resume!”

Just like the TV show aims at taking old, worn out and run down cars and turning them into new, modern “pimped” out cars, it could be time to give your old resume the boot and upgrade to a new and fancier model. We all want to be driving around in the newest and best looking car, and the same goes for your resume. However, the biggest difference between driving an old car and using your old resume is that the car will still get you from point A to point B, but an old resume will only end up in the deleted folder!

Find below 5 easy tips you can implement that will help you pimp your resume!

Strategic Key Words:

A great way to pimp your resume and ensure that it stands out and gets noticed by software programs is to use strategic keywords throughout your resume. Recruiters or hiring managers will often skim over resumes and look for keywords or they may use software programs to find keywords. These can be changed depending on the job you are applying for.

Remove all unnecessary information:

The best looking resume contains only relevant information that adds value to your job application. If your existing resume has the title “curriculum vitae” or “Professional CV”, remove this immediately. It goes without saying that if you are applying for a job, your application is obviously your curriculum vitae – there is no need to include this irrelevant information. Take a read through your resume and ensure that only value added information is included.

Achievements and Recognition:

An achievements and recognition area on your resume can really make your application stand out over the competition. Rather than boring the reader with all the daily duties you perform, inspire the reader with achievement statements that show off all the wonderful skills and achievements you have performed. Remember, the best way to present your achievements is to back them up with examples. Qualitative examples are even better!

Friendly Font:

When you sit down to read a book, do you ever stop to think about the font? Of course you don’t because typically all books are written with an easy to read font. Could you imagine reading through a novel that used hard to read fonts? You would put the book down before you completed the first chapter! The same goes for your professional resume. Use an easy to read, modern font (I like the font “Calibri”) and make it as easy as possible for the reader.

Modernise

Give your resume a new modern look. Do not use old and outdated resume templates that are floating around the internet. Although these templates may be free, they are a free for a reason! When you open up your resume ask yourself the question – “If I were a hiring manager, would I be impressed with this resume?” If the answer is no, then it’s time for a change and a makeover is needed.

© RedStarResume Publications – http://www.bestresponseresume.com

The #1 student and graduate Professional Resume Service

Tags: cover letter secrets, cover letter tips, cv writing, expert resume, graduate job, graduate resume, graduate resumes, how to find a job, how to write a resume, pimp my resume, professional resume, Professional writers, resume pimp, resume writers, resume writing, writing a resume

Oct

Why Job Seekers Require A Professionally Written Resume?

By RedStarResume No comments yet

In today’s society where job hunting has become tougher and tougher and being unemployed is so costly, there are many reasons why job candidates are increasingly turning to resume writing services to give them a greater opportunity to find success. With the growth of the Internet and access to experts in all professions, reaching out for expert assistance is easier than ever before. Rather than trying to be their own experts, people are now more inclined to reach out to real experts to ensure that the job is done right the first time.

When your hot water tank stops working you call a professional plumber, even though you can probably fix it yourself. You can go online and research how to fix a hot water tank, and you can even pay a few dollars to get a step by step guideline to help fix the tank (I did this and the tank ended up costing twice as much to fix). However, as most people do not have the qualified skills to fix a hot water tank they call in a professional to do the job for them.

The same is true of a professional resume writer or CV writer. Just like a plumber is trained and qualified to fix your hot water tank, a resume writer has the experience and skills to write a resume that will enhance your job application.

What will a resume writer do for me?

The hardest aspect of resume writing is knowing what actually belongs in the resumes and what type of information will make them stand out. In my past experience as a job recruiter, at least 50% of the candidates for each job shared the same type of education and skills. So the question is – what can a candidate do to highlight their resume? This is what a good resume writer can do. They have the ability to understand what needs to go into the resume and how to best present the information. No matter how good your education, skills or experience, if you are unable to present this information to a hiring manager, you will have very little chance of getting the job.

What is the difference between a good resume and a bad resume?

The difference is HUGE. It is no longer good enough to sit down for 20 minutes, type your name at the top of the resume, write down your work history (including a few bullet points about your duties or responsibilities) and expect to be called for interviews. It just does not work that way anymore. Not only does your resume need to be 100% completely targeted toward the job you are applying for, but it also needs to be written for that particular job market. An accounting resume is different to a mining resume and they both need to be written accordingly. Most importantly, highlighting achievements is the number one rule of resume writing. An average resume will focus too much on the day to day duties and responsibilities. These duties are expected of the job candidate and while they are important (and do need to be in the resume), turning these duties into achievements is how to make your resume stand out. This is what an expert resume writer can do for you!

© RedStarResume Publications – www.redstarresume.com

RedStarResume: #1 for Resume Writing and Cover Letter Services

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Tags: college student job, cover letter, cover letter writing, cv writing, graduate job, graduate resume, how to write a resume, interviewing, job search, professional resume writer, resume writer, resume writing service, student resume, writing a resume

Aug

Dressing professionally is one step to getting promoted

By RedStarResume No comments yet

Getting ahead in the workplace comes down to many different factors. Your skills and values you bring to the job are of the upmost importance. If you can’t deliver in your job it doesn’t matter how nice you are as the company won’t want to keep you on their payroll. There are, however, other things you can do to help maintain a professional image and make you stand out in your work environment.

Dressing for Success:

How you dress and how you look says a lot about the person you are. If you come to work with a shirt hanging out and dirty shoes, you present an unprofessional image of not caring. No Looking smart will create a positive image about the way you work.

One of my colleagues shed light on this point when he compared two employees under him that were competing for a promotion. One of them dressed every day in a nicely pressed suit with a tie and perfectly polished shoes. The other wore the same worn suit and same tie nearly every day. Furthermore, his shoes were not polished and his hair was in a mess. Both of them had equal skills and their work was first-rate. When my colleague needed to promote one of these men he went with the man who looked the more professional. As he told me, “Who I promoted was a reflection on me. At the end of the day, it was a pretty easy decision.”

First impression in the work environment:

First impressions count and in the work environment it is important that we portray the right impression every single day. Understanding your working environment is the key, and this should drive you in the right direction.

If you work in a professional organisation such as a law firm, for example, and you have large tattoos on your arms, rolling up your sleeves at work is probably not the best idea. Keeping your tattoos covered while at work would probably be advised. The same goes for piercings. The opposite is also true – if you work in a more creative environment, then showing off your tattoos at work would be acceptable and wearing a suit would be deemed inappropriate!

Conclusion:

The key to dressing professionally is understanding your working culture. Dressing for success will make you feel like a winner, but will also send the right image to those around you about your professionalism and attitude

© RedStarResume Publications – www.redstarresume.com

Tags: asking for a raise, college student job, cover letter, cover letter secrets, cover letter tips, graduate resume, graduate resumes, how to write a cover letter, how to write a resume, interviewing, job seeking, professional resume, professional resume writer, resume, resume example, resume tips, resume writer, resume writing service, writing a resume

Aug

More Numbers Less Words

By RedStarResume No comments yet

Are you sick of not landing job interviews? Are you applying for jobs you feel you are more than qualified for, but not having any success? More than likely, the problem has more to do with the way your resume is written than not having the right skill sets for the job.

Resume writing is an art form and in order to be successful your resume needs to pass 4 major rules:

Skills and qualifications are highlighted in order to make your resume instantly stand out. Reports suggest that once a hiring manager or recruiter opens your resume you have between 10-20 seconds to make an impact. No impact, no interview, no job!

Strategic keywords to highlight your achievements and pass online screening software tools that are used to reduce the amount of candidate resumes that a business may receive for a certain role.

Formatted, structured and presented specifically to target your experience and industry

Presented in a professional manner using the correct font, bullet points, headings, length and most importantly error free!

How can I make my resume stand out from the crowd?

Using numbers and quantitative evidence to highlight your achievements is key to standing out from the competition and presenting value added evidence about the type of behaviour a hiring manager can expect from you. If your position involves business development, for example, rather than including a generic description such as “Excellent communicator and relationship manager”, you can spice up this sentence and turn it into an “Accomplishment Statement” that will aid your resume in being noticed. (Don’t forget to use strategic keywords!)

Example 1: Successful business development and account management helped to exceed annual sales target of $X by 15% for the full financial year.

Example 2: Managed a team of 6 Sales Representatives in conducting product launches to increase new product penetration into the market leading to an overall increase of $5 million over a 12 month period

Example 3: Part of the Project Management Team involved in the rollout of a 200 networks leading to a 10% increase in revenue and a further 20% in cost savings.

Proof and Evidence

Using numbers and evidence to back up your statements will aid your resume application and make your resume shine against other candidates. In the current economy where jobs are tough to get, you need to prove to the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for the job and the best way to do this is to use numbers to back up your achievement statements.

© RedStarResume Publications – www.redstarresume.com

Tags: college student job, cover letter secrets, cover letter writing, expert resume, graduate resume, job interviews, need a job, professional resume, resume example, resume writer, student resume, writing a resume

Jun

How NOT to write a cover letter!

By RedStarResume No comments yet

It is not easy writing a cover letter – in fact many job candidates often find it harder writing the cover letter then the resume! In my experience I have seen fantastic cover letters, average covers and as you can see cover letters that will guarantee you will not get the job!

Tips on how NOT to write a cover letter!

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Tags: cover letter, cover letter length, cover letter secrets, cover letter tips, expert resume, graduate resume, how to address the cover letter, length of cover letter, professional resume writing, rate my cv, rate my resume, resume, resume example, resume tips, resume writing, writing a resume

Jun

Rate My Resume

By RedStarResume No comments yet

Is your resume good enough to get you the interview?

Will a hiring manager or recruiter read your entire resume?

Does your resume highlight your skills and achievements?

CLICK BELOW

RATE MY RESUME

Tags: cover letter, cover letter secrets, cover letter tips, expert resume, graduate resume, professional resume writing, rate my cv, rate my resume, resume, resume example, resume tips, resume writing, writing a resume

Nov

Job Advertisment!

By RedStarResume No comments yet

Whether you’re looking to find a job or change your career path be prepared!

No matter what role you are looking for, do your research and make sure you’re ready to nail your job interview

Tags: college student job, cover letter, cover letter secrets, expert resume, graduate resume, graduate resumes, higher salary, job advertisment, job seek, job seeking, new job, resume example, student resume, writing a resume

Sep

How to Protect Your Resume From Identity Theft

By RedStarResume No comments yet

It’s pretty sad that in recent years resumes have become more and more popular as vehicles for stealing personal identities. It sort of makes sense when you think about it because resumes contain some pretty vital personal information. Aside from the obvious work history information, resumes can include home addresses, telephone numbers, and education information. Sometimes they even contain enough information to open a credit card! It’s scary to think that this information is stolen all the time, but there are a couple of things you can do to avoid becoming a victim. Below are a couple of suggestions.

Leave your home address off your resume

The home address used to be an important component to the resume, but times have changed. Resumes are not posted or faxed anymore – almost all job advertisements call for a candidate to email through his or her resume, making their home address somewhat irrelevant. Companies today are also aware of the identity theft risks associated with resumes, so they don’t expect to see home addresses included on resumes.

Don’t apply for a job unless the company name is listed

You might notice that a lot of job advertisements today list the company name as “private” or “unlisted.” STAY AWAY FROM THESE. While some of these ads might be from legitimate companies, the vast majority of them are not, and they are just trying to get you to submit your personal information. Even if the company name is listed on the ad, check it out first before you submit your information. It’s just not worth the risk.

Sound too good to be true? It probably is.

Everyone has seen the ads – “Make over $100K working part-time from home!” “Earn up to $200/hr!” These scenarios sound great in theory, but these types of ads are usually not real, and there is always some catch. Most of these ads will link you to websites that ask for your personal information and, after you submit it, will ask you to pay a “starter” or “application” fee. Don’t fall for it – no legitimate job will ask you to pay them.

The overall message is to just be careful. Identity thieves prey on this type of personal information, and especially on people who are desperately looking for jobs. Just be patient and make sure that a job or company is legitimate before you submit your resume.

Laura is the Marketing Coordinator for RedStarResume, a business that provides resume and cover letter writing services for students, graduates and young professionals.

Tags: asking for a raise, cheap reusme, college student job, copy resume, cover letter secrets, cv, graduate resume, identity theft, protect my resume, resume, resume writing, sample resume, student resume, writing a resume

Aug

How to handle your boss

By RedStarResume No comments yet

Source: www.cosmopolitan.co.uk

Tags: bad boss, boss, college student job, cv, expert resume, graduate job, graduate resume, hate my boss, how to find a job, how to write a cover letter, how to write a resume, writing a resume

Tips from the Pros

Standing Out From The Crowd

Pimp My Resume

Why Job Seekers Require A Professionally Written Resume?

Dressing professionally is one step to getting promoted

More Numbers Less Words

How NOT to write a cover letter!

Rate My Resume

Job Advertisment!

How to Protect Your Resume From Identity Theft

How to handle your boss

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